Jewelry made of precious a morphous metal and method of making such articles

ABSTRACT

Jewelry and methods of making jewelry containing a precious metal-base alloy component in bulk-solidified amorphous phase are provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to jewelry made of preciousbulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and methods of making such articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry is generally used as an ornament on the body or as a decorativeitem to improve the aesthetics, beauty, and intrinsic worth of an item.As an ornament, jewelry is generally worn on the body, such as earrings,necklaces, bracelets, etc. As a decorative item jewelry has beengenerally displayed with high-value items, such as artistic pieces. Insuch cases, jewelry may take the form of a frame or handle. Furthermore,the use of jewelry in personal and functional items, such ascell-phones, watches, glasses, guns and pistols, pens, faucets andplumbing is becoming more common. Such personal items have frequentcontact with body parts, such as hands, and are subject to a moreintensive “wear and tear” environment than other jewelry items.

Because of their attributed intrinsic worth, jewelry is generally madefrom precious metals such as gold, platinum, and palladium. Jewelryarticles made of solid precious metals are quite common, although cladmaterials and veneered composites are also used to a certain degree.(Herein, jewelry is defined where the metallic component comprises atleast a solid piece of precious metal alloy of more than 0.1 mmthickness. Thin-film surface coatings of precious metals are excludedfrom the jewelry definition, whereas jewelry comprising “veneer” or cladlayers of precious metal alloys is included). Furthermore, jewelry isfurther enhanced in aesthetics, beauty and intrinsic worth byincorporating gemstones. Generally, it is desired that the content ofprecious metal in the jewelry alloy is above a minimum weight percentagesuch as 14 karat or 18 karat. Due to the attributed high worth ofjewelry, expectations of the quality of jewelry articles are quite high.Jewelry articles are expected to be unique and exceptional in theirdesign and they are expected to be fabricated and finished to very highstandards. Even slight imperfections, subtle to the naked eye, are notgenerally tolerated.

Accordingly, the fabrication and finishing of jewelry articles is ahighly tedious process and several challenges have yet to besatisfactorily resolved. The cast articles of precious metals generallylack the desired precision and need substantial effort in finishingoperations. Furthermore, the incorporation of gemstone shows significantproblems during casting and subsequent fabrication process in order tosecure satisfactory and long-term fixing of gemstones firmly in place.

Jewelry articles are also expected to be durable and sustain long life.However, the common precious metal-based alloys have notoriously poormechanical properties such as yield strength, hardness, and wearresistance. Furthermore, with the use of jewelry in personal items, suchas cell-phones, watches etc, various physical and mechanical propertiesof precious metals have become more critical for the durability ofjewelry products. The demand for high yield strength, hardness,corrosion and erosion resistance, and wear and scratch resistance insuch products is so overwhelming for the common precious metal-basedalloys that new novel solutions are greatly desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to jewelry comprising a preciousmetal-base alloy component in a bulk-solidified amorphous phase. In apreferred embodiment, the precious metal is selected from the group ofPd, Au and Pt.

In one embodiment of the invention, the precious metal-based amorphousalloy has a hardness of 400 Vickers or more. In a preferred embodimentof the invention, the precious metal-based amorphous alloy has ahardness of 500 Vickers or more.

In another embodiment of the invention, the precious metal-basedamorphous alloy has a yield-strength of 1.2 GPa more. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the precious metal-based amorphous alloyhas a yield-strength of 1.8 GPa or more.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the precious metal-basedamorphous alloy has an elastic strain limit of 1.5% more. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the precious metal-based amorphous alloyhas an elastic strain limit of 1.8% more.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the precious metal-basedamorphous alloy has thermal conductivity of less than 20 W/mK. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, the precious metal-basedamorphous alloy has thermal conductivity less than 10 W/mK.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the preciousmetal-based amorphous alloy has a critical cooling rate less than 1000°C./second, and preferably less than 100° C./second, and most preferablyless than 10° C./second.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the jewelry componentis a casting of precious metal-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the jewelry component is aninvestment casting of precious metal-based bulk-solidifying amorphousalloy.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the jewelry is anearring, bracelet or necklace. In another embodiment of the invention,the jewelry is a watch-case. In another embodiment of the invention, thejewelry is a frame. In another embodiment of the invention, the jewelryis a frame as an enclosure for an electronic accessory. In anotherembodiment of the invention, the jewelry is a frame for pen. In anotherembodiment of the invention, the jewelry is a frame for glasses.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the jewelry comprisesat lest one piece of a gemstone. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the gemstone is natural diamond.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the metallic part ofthe jewelry is a precious metal-base alloy in bulk-solidified amorphousphase. In a preferred embodiment, the precious metal is selected fromthe group of Pd, Au and Pt.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the jewelry is aprecious metal-base alloy in bulk-solidified amorphous phase. In apreferred embodiment, the precious metal is selected from the group ofPd, Au and Pt.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, a precious metal-basebulk-solidifying amorphous alloy has a precious metal content of morethan 58.3 weight percent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, aprecious metal-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy has a preciousmetal content of more than 75 weight percent, and in some cases morethan 85 weight percent.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, a precious metal-basebulk-solidifying amorphous alloy has a total content of more than 58.3weight percent gold or platinum. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the precious metal-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy hasa total content of more than 58.3 weight percent gold or platinum.

In still yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a preciousmetal-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy has no Nickel content (otherthan incidental impurities).

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, a molten piece ofprecious-metal base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy is cast into anear-to-net shape jewelry component. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a molten piece of precious-metal base bulk-solidifyingamorphous alloy is investment-cast into a near-to-net shape jewelrycomponent. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the investmentmold has a surface layer of fused silica.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, a molten piece ofprecious-metal base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy is cast over onto agemstone to form a jewelry article. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a molten piece of precious-metal base bulk-solidifyingamorphous alloy is investment-cast over onto a gemstone to form ajewelry article.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, a molten piece ofprecious-metal base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy is cast intonear-to-net shape jewelry component by metallic mold casting ordie-casting.

In still yet another embodiment of the method of making jewelrycomponent, a molten piece of precious metal-base bulk-solidifyingamorphous alloy is cast into a jewelry component under partial vacuum,and preferably under full vacuum.

In still yet another embodiment of the method of making jewelrycomponent, a molten piece of precious-metal base bulk-solidifyingamorphous alloy is fed into the mold by applying an external pressuresuch as inert gas.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, a solid feed-stock ofprecious-metal base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy is heated intosuper-cooled viscous liquid regime and molded into near-to-net shapejewelry component.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, a solid feed-stock ofprecious-metal base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy is heated intosuper-cooled viscous liquid regime and molded over onto a gemstone toform a jewelry article.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The current invention is generally directed to jewelry articlescomprising precious metal-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys andmethods of making such jewelry articles.

The precious metal components of conventional jewelry articles are madeof precious-metal base alloys, such as gold alloys, which has apoly-crystalline microstructure. In such alloys, the atomic structureshows highly ordered patterns extending over more than hundreds orthousands of atomic radii. Such atomic structure is called crystallineand the alloys are called crystalline alloys. In the current inventionthe precious metal alloy for the jewelry articles is maintained in anon-crystalline atomic structure. The non-crystalline atomic structuredoes not show such long-range ordered patterns, but rather a relativelyrandom positioning of atoms, and is called a non-crystalline alloy,amorphous alloy, or metallic glass.

As it will be demonstrated in detail below, the inventors discoveredthat such atomic structure in precious metal-base alloys, specificallyprecious metal-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys, have unique andhighly desirable advantages in jewelry applications. The demonstratedadvantages are found both in the mechanical and physical properties ofthe articles, but also in the fabrication and finishing processesrequired to manufacture the articles.

The bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are generally obtained by heavyalloying of one or more base metal such that a low melting temperaturecan be obtained. In the case of precious metals of Au, Pd, Pt, metalloidelements such as P, Si and other transition metals such as Ni, Cu or Coare used to suppress the melting temperatures of the alloys. Thesuppression of the melting temperature can be quantified by reducedglass transition, as defined in the scientific literature. The preciousmetal alloys are selected from a group of amorphous alloys with reducedglass transition of higher than 0.5, and preferably more than 0.6 andmost preferably more than 0.66. Such alloys display a greater ability toform an amorphous phase during bulk-solidification.

In order to obtain amorphous phase formation during bulk solidification,such alloys are quenched at rates higher than critical cooling rates.Since the critical cooling rate can be correlated to the criticalcasting thickness by utilizing standard heat flow equations, a lowercritical cooling rate provides a larger critical casting thickness for agiven process and geometry. Accordingly, precious metal alloys arefurther selected from a group of amorphous alloys with critical coolingrates of less than 10³° C./sec, and preferably less than 10²° C./sec,and most preferably less than 10° C./sec. Alternatively, precious metalalloys are further selected from a group of amorphous alloys with acritical casting thickness of more than 0.5 mm, and preferably more than5.0 mm, and most preferably more than 25 mm.

Furthermore, the precious metal-base alloys are selected from a group ofamorphous alloys with a larger ΔTsc (super-cooled liquid region), arelative measure of the stability of the viscous liquid regime above theglass transition. Bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys with a ΔTsc of morethan 60° C., and still more preferably a ΔTsc of 90° C. and more aredesired for easy fabrication of jewelry components. ΔTsc is defined asthe difference between Tx—the onset temperature of crystallization—andTsc—the onset temperature of super-cooled liquid region. These valuescan be conveniently determined by using standard calorimetric techniquessuch as DSC measurements at 20° C./min. For the purposes of thisdisclosure, Tg, Tsc, and Tx are determined from standard DSC(Differential Scanning Calorimetry) scans at 20° C./min. Other heatingrates such as 40° C./min, or 10° C./min can also be utilized while thebasic physics of this disclosure still remaining intact. Herein, Tg isdefined as the onset temperature of glass transition, Tsc is defined asthe onset temperature of super-cooled liquid region, and Tx is definedas the onset temperature of crystallization. ΔTsc is defined as thedifference between Tx and Tsc. All the temperature units are in ° C.Exemplary alloy materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,288,344;5,368,659; 5,618,359; and 5,735,975 (the disclosures of which areincorporated in their entirety herein by reference).

In general, crystalline precipitates in bulk amorphous alloys are highlydetrimental to their properties, especially to the toughness andstrength of these materials, and as such it is generally preferred tominimize the volume fraction of these participates if possible. However,there are cases in which, ductile crystalline phases precipitate in-situduring the processing of bulk amorphous alloys, which are indeedbeneficial to the properties of bulk amorphous alloys especially to thetoughness and ductility. Such bulk amorphous alloys comprising suchbeneficial precipitates are also included in the current invention. Oneexemplary material is disclosed in (C. C. Hays et. al, Physical ReviewLetters, Vol. 84, p 2901, 2000), which is incorporated herein byreference.

In the bulk solidified amorphous phase, the precious metal-base alloysattain very high levels of strength and hardness. For example, Pd and Ptbase alloys can reach 1.8 GPa or more in yield strength, whereasAu-based also attain yield strengths exceeding 1.2 GPa, or more in thebulk-solidified amorphous phase. These yield strength values are severaltimes of the values for the crystalline phase of precious metal-basealloys used in jewelry application. Similar dramatic improvements arealso achieved in hardness values, where Pd and Pt base alloys can reach500 Vickers or more in hardness, and where Au-based can attain hardnessvalues exceeding 400 Vickers or more in the bulk-solidified amorphousphase. These high hardnesses provides better scratch and wearresistance, and accordingly precious alloys having a hardness of 500Vickers or more are preferred.

Furthermore, precious metal-base alloys in bulk-solidified amorphousphase have very high elastic strain limits, that is the ability tosustain strains without permanent deformation, typically around 1.5% orhigher, several times higher than conventional precious-metal alloys injewelry use. This is an important characteristic for the use andapplication in a jewelry component, as the resistance to dents and nickswill be greatly improved. Furthermore, the combination of high elasticstrain limit and high yield strength helps to maintain both the generalshape and intricate details of the jewelry components intact. Theperiodical mechanical adjustment of metallic components of the jewelrycan also be avoided since no significant mechanical deformation will beaccumulated from the regular use. In the case of jewelry incorporatinggemstones, the durability for precise position of gemstones are greatlyimproved. As such, the maintenance of metallic components in jewelrywill be greatly reduced as the surface finish will be more durable andmore easily maintained.

The advantage of bulk-solidified amorphous phase is not limited to theabove-mentioned mechanical properties. The homogeneity of themicrostructure of the amorphous phase—due to lack of poly-crystallitesand directionality of atomic order—provides a better resistance againstcorrosion and local pitting. The advantage of this unique microstructurebecomes especially amplified in highly alloyed precious metal-basealloys, as alloying additions tend to reduce or negate the favorablecorrosion characteristics of the precious metals. As such,bulk-solidified amorphous phases maintain their surface finishes longer,providing long life with a reduced maintenance of the jewelry articles.

Another highly surprising advantage of the bulk-solidified amorphousphase for jewelry components, especially for the ones worn on the bodyor having frequent body contact, is its low level of thermalconductivity. The thermal conductivity of precious-metal basebulk-solidified amorphous phase is an order of magnitude or more lessthan a typical precious metal in crystalline phase. For example, thethermal conductivity of Pd, Au, Pt base amorphous alloys is generallyless than 10 W/mK, whereas pure gold has a thermal conductivity of morethan 400 W/mK. Precious metals (in their common crystalline phase) havevery high thermal and electrical conductivity. As such, typical preciousmetal components of jewelry articles cause relative discomfort uponhandling during adverse weather conditions dramatizing the feel of coldor hot. On the other, the low thermal conductivity of bulk-solidifiedamorphous phase provides a negating effect on adverse weather conditionsupon handling, providing a better warm-feel to the handler or wearer.

The advantages of using bulk-solidified amorphous phases extends to thefabrication characteristics of these alloys, and as such the currentinvention provides preferred methods of fabrication and finishing suchjewelry components. For example, the above mentioned favorablemechanical and physical properties of bulk-solidified amorphous phaseare readily obtained in an as-cast condition. This is generally not truefor conventional crystalline metals and alloys as which requireadditional thermo-mechanical methods or tedious work hardening processesto improve the mechanical properties of these alloys.

The precious-metal based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys, by theirdesign, have much lower melting temperatures than the meltingtemperatures of their constituents. This is especially true whencompared to their weighed averages of melting temperatures. Although itmay be argued that amorphous alloys do not experience a meltingphenomenon in the same manner as a crystalline material, it isconvenient to describe a “melting point” at which the viscosity of thematerial is so low that, to the observer, it behaves as a melted solid.The melting point or melting temperature of the amorphous metal may beconsidered as the temperature at which the viscosity of the materialfalls below about 10² poise. Alternatively, the melting temperature ofthe crystalline phases of the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloycomposition can be taken as the melting temperature of the amorphousalloy. For example, Pd-base bulk solidifying amorphous alloys havetypical melting temperatures of 800° C. or less and the meltingtemperature of Pt-base alloys can be as low as less than 600° C. A lowermelting temperature is preferred for the ease of processing andaccordingly, melting temperatures of less than 700° C. and preferablyless than 600° C. are desired

Such low melting temperatures of precious-metal based bulk-solidifyingamorphous alloys are beneficially utilized in a casting process tofabricate jewelry components and articles. The low melting temperaturenegates the complexities arising in the mold materials used, and themelting practices required to handle the high melting temperatures. Thelow melting temperatures of the precious-metal based bulk-solidifyingamorphous alloys also provide a relatively easier casting operation suchas reduced or minimal reaction with molds or investment shells.Furthermore, such low meting temperatures are especially beneficial,when casting precious metals as jewelry articles incorporatinggemstones. The over-casting of molten alloy over gemstones can very muchdamage the quality of gemstones. For example, natural diamond canwithstand temperatures up to 1,000° C. at least on a temporary basis.Accordingly, low melting temperatures of below 1,000° C. areconveniently utilized in casting precious-metal based bulk-solidifyingamorphous alloys over and onto gemstones, for example over and ontonatural diamond.

Furthermore, precious metal-based bulk solidifying amorphous alloys canbe readily cast from molten state to replicate the very fine details ofthe mold cavity intended for jewelry components and articles. The lackof any first-order phase transformation during the solidification ofbulk-solidifying amorphous alloy reduces solidification shrinkage and assuch provides a near-to-net shape configuration of the metalliccomponent. In addition, bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys keep theirfluidity to exceptionally low temperatures, down to its glass transitiontemperatures, compared to other metal castings alloys. For example, Pdand Pt base have typical glass transition temperatures in the range of200° C. to 400° C. depending on the alloy composition. Thesecharacteristics combined with the lack of any microstructure allowbulk-solidifying amorphous alloys to replicate the intricacies of theimpressions at exceptional quality. This unique casting characteristicsnot only reduces the post-cast finishing processes, but also provide abetter surface finish and preparation due to the reduced or minimaldefects arising from the casting operation. For example, jewelrycomponents of precious-metal base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys canbe given a very high polish and surface smoothness for improvedaesthetics concerns.

The proliferation of such dramatic improvements in bothphysical/mechanical properties and fabrication characteristics allownovel and unique design and applications in jewelry that have not beenpossible or conceived before. Fine and elaborate details require goodstructural integrity and easy fabricability. As such higher strength andeasy processable precious metal-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloysare conveniently applied to such designs, such as thinner shells andsmaller structures than possible with conventional precious metals andalloys. Alternatively, the negative effects of low strength and hardnesscommon to crystalline precious metals, are mitigated to the extent thatdesigners can focus more the aesthetics and beauty aspects rather thanthe mechanical integrity of jewelry component.

The jewelry component of precious-metal based bulk-solidifying amorphousalloys may be fabricated by various casting methods. In this method, afeedstock of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy composition is provided.This feedstock does not to have to be in amorphous phase. Then thefeedstock alloy is heated into the molten state above the meltingtemperature of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. Then the molten alloyis fed into the mold having the shape of desired jewelry component andquenched to temperatures below the glass transition. In the case ofmetallic mold-casting, such as die-casting, the thermal mass of die andmold can provide the sufficient quenching to the temperatures below theglass transition. In the case of investment casting, the investment moldis immersed into a quenching bath to form a substantially amorphousatomic structure. The casting of the bulk amorphous alloy is thenremoved from the mold to apply other post-cast finishing processes suchas polishing. Though, there are various choices of materials exist forinvestment mold, fused silica is a preferred choice material forinvestment casting. In some cases, it is desirable to superheat themolten alloy well above the melting temperature by 100° C. or more. Thiswill provide higher fluidity and will allow the molten alloy to flow amuch longer time before solidification. This is especially preferred incases where jewelry components with very high aspect ratios (i.e. longand skinny shapes) and high intricacies are desired.

In another casting method, a feedstock alloy is heated into the moltenstate under an inert atmosphere and preferably under vacuum. The moldcan be prepared by various methods and preferably by an investment-castmethod. Various mechanisms can be utilized to feed the molten alloy intothe mold. Gravity-feeding methods can be readily utilized, though othermechanisms providing external pressure is preferred. Such mechanisms canuse centrifugal forces and inert gas pressure. Various configurations ofalloy feeding can be utilized such as bottom-feeding. Another feedingmethod comprises counter-gravity feeding and casting and preferablycarried out with vacuum suction assistance.

In an alternative fabrication method, a solid feedstock of preciousmetal-based alloy in the amorphous phase is heated into the super-cooledviscous liquid regime and deformed into the desired shapes of jewelrycomponent and subsequently cooled to below the glass transition. Suchmethod can also can be used to over-mold viscous alloy onto a gemstoneto form a jewelry article. Such a process is especially preferable forencasing and holding of gemstones with lower temperature stability. Forthe ease of processing a lower glass transition is also desired to beless than 300° C. and preferably between 200° C. and 250° C.

Although specific embodiments are disclosed herein, it is expected thatpersons skilled in the art can and will design alternative jewelryarticles and methods of manufacture that are within the scope of thefollowing claims either literally or under the Doctrine of Equivalents.

1. An article of jewelry constructed at least partially of a amorphousalloy having a bulk-solidified amorphous phase, wherein the amorphousalloy contains a precious metal selected from the group consisting ofPd, Pt and Au, and wherein the amorphous alloy has a precious metalcontent of at least 75% by weight.
 2. The article as described in claim1, wherein the amorphous alloy has a hardness of 400 Vickers or more. 3.The article as described in claim 1, wherein the amorphous alloy has ayield-strength of 1.2 GPa more.
 4. The article as described in claim 1,wherein the amorphous alloy has an elastic strain limit of 1.5% more. 5.The article as described in claim 1, wherein the amorphous alloy has anelastic strain limit of 1.8% more.
 6. The article as described in claim1, wherein the amorphous alloy has a thermal conductivity of less than20 W/mK.
 7. The article as described in claim 1, wherein the amorphousalloy has a critical cooling rate less than 1000° C./second.
 8. Thearticle as described in claim 1, wherein the amorphous alloy has acritical cooling rate less than 100° C./second.
 9. The article asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the amorphous alloy has a critical coolingrate less than 10° C./second.
 10. The article as described in claim 1,wherein the amorphous alloy has a delta T of 60° C. or more.
 11. Thearticle as described in claim 1, wherein the amorphous alloy has a deltaT of 90° C. or more.
 12. The article as described in claim 1, whereinthe amorphous alloy has a reduced glass transition temperature, Trg, of0.6 or more.
 13. The article as described in claim 1, wherein theamorphous alloy has a glass transition temperature, Tg, of 300° C. orless.
 14. The article as described in claim 1, wherein the amorphousalloy has a glass transition temperature, Tg, between 200° C. and 250°C.
 15. The article as described in claim 1, wherein the amorphous alloyhas a melting temperature, Tm, of less than 700° C.
 16. The article asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the amorphous alloy has a meltingtemperature, Tm, of less than 600° C.
 17. The article as described inclaim 1, wherein a portion of the amorphous alloy has a thickness ofmore than 0.5 mm.
 18. The article as described in claim 1, wherein aportion of the amorphous alloy has a thickness of more than 5 mm. 19.The article as described in claim 1, wherein the precious metal is Au,and wherein the Au comprises at least 58.3 percent weight of theamorphous alloy.
 20. The article as described in claim 1, wherein theprecious metal content of the amorphous alloy is substantially Pt. 21.The article as described in claim 1, wherein the precious metalscomprise at least 85 percent weight of the amorphous alloy.
 22. Thearticle as described in claim 1, wherein the precious metal issubstantially Pt, and wherein the Pt comprises at least 85 percentweight of the amorphous alloy.
 23. The article as described in claim 1,wherein the article is an investment casting of the precious metal-basedbulk-solidifying amorphous alloy.
 24. The article as described in claim1, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of anearring, bracelet, necklace, watch-case, frame, enclosure for anelectronic accessory, pen, and frame for glasses.
 25. The article asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the metallic part of the article is madeof the precious metal-base alloy in bulk-solidified amorphous phase. 26.The article as described in claim 1, wherein the amorphous alloy hassubstantially no Nickel content.
 27. A method of manufacturing anarticle of jewelry comprising: providing a molten piece ofbulk-solidifying amorphous alloy wherein the amorphous alloy contains aprecious metal selected from the group consisting of Pd, Pt and Au, andwherein the amorphous alloy has a precious metal content of at least 75%by weight; providing a mold having the form of a desired jewelrycomponent; and casting the molten amorphous alloy into a near-to-netshape jewelry component.
 28. The method as described in claim 27,wherein the casting comprises investment-cast.
 29. The method asdescribed in claim 27, wherein the mold has a surface layer of fusedsilica.
 30. The method as described in claim 27, wherein the moltenpiece of precious-metal base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy is castover at least one gemstone.
 31. The method as described in claim 27,wherein the casting comprises one of either metallic mold casting ordie-casting.
 32. The method as described in claim 27, wherein thecasting is conducted under one of either a partial vacuum or fullvacuum.
 33. The method as described in claim 27, further comprisingfeeding the molten piece of precious-metal base bulk-solidifyingamorphous alloy into the mold by applying an external pressure.
 34. Amethod of manufacturing an article of jewelry comprising: providing asolid feed-stock of precious-metal base bulk-solidifying amorphousalloy, wherein the amorphous alloy contains a precious metal selectedfrom the group consisting of Pd, Pt and Au, and wherein the amorphousalloy has a precious metal content of at least 75% by weight; heatingthe amorphous alloy into a super-cooled viscous liquid regime; andmolding the heated amorphous alloy into a near-to-net shape jewelrycomponent.